Amputation of lower extremities in the aged

Abstract

1. 1. Seventy-four cases of major amputations for gangrene and pain through the lower extremities are presented. 2. 2. Sixty-four had thigh amputations and ten through some level of the leg. 3. 3. In ten cases wound infections developed. Eight of the ten infections were minor and two were severe. 4. 4. There were nine deaths, eight from cardiac failure and one from pneumonia. 5. 5. In the aged arteriqsclerotic group the mortality was 15.4 per cent, in the diabetic group 7.5 per cent and in the embolie group 25 per cent. 6. 6. In our experience lumbar ganglionectomy will not alter the course of the disease when the vascular tree is severely damaged. 7. 7. A detailed description of the pre- and postoperative preparation and technic for low thigh amputation is given.